If I find a maker willing to build us a gear drive timing setup, who would want one? Who would be best to contact? Has anyone else already tried? I love the whine of a noisy gear drive. Sounds as good as a blower.

Yes...but how applicable to a MEL would the FE be? I've been searching on other forms and have been told guys made their own up years ago by using a second crank gear. I really don't see that working with the timing sets available today.

An FE set won't fit. Just wanted to point to MILODON.
Maybe approaching them for a limited number production of MEL sets might be an option. Just as Moon did w. the MEL valve covers after at least 30 people had gathered together for an order.